Aggravated Home Invasion

If you or a loved one have been charged with Aggravated Home Invasion in Illinois, it is critical to understand the serious nature of the charge and the severe consequences you may face if convicted. Aggravated Home Invasion is one of the most serious criminal offenses in the state of Illinois, and a conviction can result in significant prison time, a permanent criminal record, and life-altering consequences. James Dimeas, an experienced and nationally-recognized criminal defense attorney, has spent over 30 years successfully defending clients facing Aggravated Home Invasion charges. If you are looking for a skilled, knowledgeable, and aggressive criminal defense attorney to fight for your rights, call James Dimeas today for a free and confidential consultation.

What is Aggravated Home Invasion in Illinois?

Under Illinois law, a person commits the offense of Aggravated Home Invasion when they knowingly enter another person’s home without permission or remain unlawfully in the home and:

1. Are armed with a firearm or another dangerous weapon; or
2. Know or have reason to know that someone is present in the home; and
3. Threaten or cause injury to someone inside the home.

Aggravated Home Invasion is classified as a Class X felony in Illinois. Class X felonies are the most serious crimes in Illinois, short of murder, and carry mandatory prison sentences.

Penalties for Aggravated Home Invasion in Illinois

A conviction for Aggravated Home Invasion in Illinois carries a mandatory prison sentence of 6 to 30 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. In addition to this severe prison sentence, you will also be required to serve a period of mandatory supervised release (parole) after completing your prison sentence.

If a firearm was used during the commission of the offense, additional sentencing enhancements apply:

• If a firearm was merely possessed during the crime, 15 additional years will be added to the prison sentence.
• If a firearm was discharged during the crime, 20 additional years will be added to the prison sentence.
• If someone was injured or killed by the discharge of the firearm, 25 years to life will be added to the prison sentence.

Therefore, an Aggravated Home Invasion conviction involving a discharged firearm that caused injury or death can result in a prison sentence of up to life in prison.

Defending Aggravated Home Invasion Charges

Being charged with Aggravated Home Invasion does not automatically mean you will be convicted. An experienced criminal defense attorney like James Dimeas can investigate the facts of your case, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, and develop a strong defense strategy. Common defenses to Aggravated Home Invasion charges include:

1. Consent to Enter the Property: If the homeowner or occupant gave you permission to enter the home, the prosecution may not be able to prove an essential element of the crime.
2. Lack of Knowledge of Occupancy: If you did not know or have reason to know that someone was present in the home, the Aggravated Home Invasion charge may not stand.
3. Self-Defense: If you entered or remained in the home to protect yourself or another person from imminent harm, you may have a valid self-defense claim.
4. Mistaken Identity: Eyewitness misidentifications are common in home invasion cases. An experienced defense attorney can challenge the reliability of eyewitness testimony and alibi evidence.
5. Violation of Constitutional Rights: If law enforcement violated your constitutional rights during the investigation or arrest, evidence obtained as a result may be excluded from court.

Why Choose James Dimeas to Defend Your Aggravated Home Invasion Case?

Aggravated Home Invasion charges are extremely serious and require the skill and expertise of an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Attorney James Dimeas has successfully defended clients facing complex and high-stakes felony charges, including Aggravated Home Invasion, for over 30 years. He has a deep understanding of the Illinois criminal justice system and the strategies needed to secure the best possible outcome for his clients.

• Proven Track Record: James Dimeas has an established track record of getting charges reduced, dismissed, or securing acquittals in Aggravated Home Invasion cases.
• Aggressive and Personalized Defense: Every case is unique, and James Dimeas takes the time to listen to his clients, understand their side of the story, and craft a defense strategy tailored to the specific facts of each case.
• Recognized Nationally: Attorney James Dimeas has been recognized as a “Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer” by The National Trial Lawyers and has received a “Superb” 10.0 rating from AVVO, the highest possible rating.
• Client-Focused Representation: James Dimeas understands the fear, stress, and uncertainty that come with facing a serious criminal charge. He is committed to keeping his clients informed, answering their questions, and fighting tirelessly on their behalf.

The Consequences of an Aggravated Home Invasion Conviction

A conviction for Aggravated Home Invasion can have life-changing consequences beyond the lengthy prison sentence. As a convicted felon, you will face collateral consequences such as:

• A permanent criminal record
• Difficulty finding employment
• Difficulty obtaining housing
• Loss of professional licenses
• Loss of gun ownership rights

The stakes are too high to face these charges alone. An experienced criminal defense attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

Call James Dimeas Today for a Free Consultation

If you or someone you love is facing Aggravated Home Invasion charges in Illinois, time is of the essence. The sooner you contact an experienced defense attorney, the sooner your defense can begin. James Dimeas has the knowledge, experience, and dedication to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future.

Contact James Dimeas today for a free and confidential consultation. Let an experienced and aggressive Aggravated Home Invasion defense attorney fight for you. Don’t face these serious charges alone – contact James Dimeas today and start building your defense immediately.